Full-time MBA Case Competitions

In a case competition, participants strive to develop the best solution to a business or education-related case study within an allocated time frame, typically in teams of three to five. Teams deliver presentations to a panel of judges who evaluate their presentations and choose the best solutions.

Case competitions are a great way to test business skills and team capabilities acquired during an MBA program. Team members bring their unique skills and experience to develop well-rounded solutions to business problems. Many students interested in careers in consulting find case competitions great practice for applying their expertise in business matters to varied corporate and organizational situations.

Foster MBA Program Case Competitions

Full-time MBA students are required to participate in two different case competitions during the MBA Program: a short, introductory competition during PRIME (orientation) in September, and the more formal Winter Case Competition in January at the beginning of Winter quarter. The Full-time Case Competition is judged by Foster faculty and alumni working in the Puget Sound business community.

External Program Case Competitions

Interested students may choose to compete in various national case competitions at institutions around the country. These competitions focus on many different disciplines such as entrepreneurship, marketing, ethics, and sustainable business practices. The Programs Office has compiled a list of some case competition opportunities that we have supported in the past:

Students are also encouraged to pursue additional ad-hoc competition opportunities not listed. To propose competing in a competition, priority or ad-hoc, or for questions and inquiries please contact mbaweb@uw.edu.

MBA Programs Case Competition Grants

The MBA Programs Office awards a limited number of grants for MBA teams participating in external case competitions. Teams participating in case competitions are eligible to apply for grants and if approved will be given funding ranging from $500-$2000. These grants may be applied to the following team expenses:

Case Competition Registration (can be paid directly by the Program Office; email mbaweb@uw.edu for information)

Airfare/Mileage

Ground transportation to and from Sea-Tac Airport and the destination airport

Lodging expenses not included in registration fees

Your team must apply for a grant from the MBA Program Office at least three weeks prior to participating in a case competition. Teams awarded a grant will be required to meet with MBA Program staff on how to proceed with preparing for and booking travel to the case competition and how to be reimbursed for travel expenditures.